Origins

I emerge from the bathroom later on holding all five tests.

“Okay hold them out and let me see,” Blythe picks up the instructions and checks all the tests, “Oh boy.”

“What?” Everyone jumps up and crowds around us.

“Frances I think you have to have a talk with your parents, I’m sorry baby but you’re going to be a mummy,” Blythe tells me.

“Are you sure?” I ask frightened.

“All five were positive,” Blythe tries to comfort me.

“Fucking kidding me,” I swear angrily and throw all the tests and boxes into the bin.

“Whoa, calm down hunny,” Flo takes my arm and escorts me to the couch.

“No,” I tell her.

“No? What’s no?” She asks softly.

“I know what you’re going to ask and no I’m not getting an abortion,” I tell her, “Not until I talk to Izack.”

“Fine, aren’t you going to Bargara for Christmas?” Alysha asks.

“Yep, oh I’m not telling mum and dad til I talk to Izack either. So please don’t tell anyone about this,” I ask as I begin to cry.

“We swear we won’t,” All four girls promise me.

“I love you guys,” I whisper.

“We love you too Frankee,” They answer and a heavy silence falls over us.